Guidelines & Protocols to tackle the

spread of Covid-19
For employees and students
May 2020

Scaling Heights

Together we can fight Covid-19

1
CONTENTS
Page Number
➢ PREFACE 3

➢ BASICS GUIDELINES 4-5

➢ PROTOCOL FOR RETURNING TO THE CAMPUS 6

➢ GUIDELINES FOR SELF/HOME

QUARANTINING 7

➢ GUIDELINES FOR INSTITUTIONAL

QUARANTINE CENTRE (B-26) 8

➢ GUIDELINES FOR THE

OBSERVATION FACILITY (B-15) 9-10

➢ TIPS TO MAINTAIN HEALTH &

PHYSICAL FITNESS 11-12

➢ TIPS TO MAINTAIN MENTAL HEALTH 13

➢ USEFUL RESOURCES 14

2
 PREFACE
We are going through an unprecedented, once in a life time crisis that has shaken the entire
world and brought powerful nations to their knee. Millions of people are getting infected with Covid-
19 which is overwhelming healthcare facilities, affecting lives and livelihood. Such a calamity warrants
extraordinary measures to cope up with the situation. A nation-wide lock down was imposed in India
as does in many other countries with severe restrictions imposed on operation of businesses,
government offices, transportation and other activities. Fortunately, the situation in our country is
mostly under control and government is easing the lock down and trying to bring back activities to
the normal level. IIT Mandi is also taking measures to resume its normal function. The Institute is
taking utmost care so that no one affiliated to it are affected by this disease. Thankfully, there are no
incident of Covid-19 so far reported in the campus or its adjoining areas including the Mandi town. A
number of steps are being taken by the institute such as repeated sanitation of the premises, health
monitoring of casual labourers in the campus including the construction workers, maintaining
physical distancing between individuals at work and so on. Significant progress also has been made
by hardworking faculty, staff, students and other arms of the Institute such as EWOK in fighting the
Covid-19. Mass production of Maitri mask by EWOK, development of UV disinfection chambers,
prototype ventilators and N-95 mask membranes are especially noteworthy.

It is now imperative that we have to live and work normally while keeping the SARS-CoV-2
virus at bay. Along with Institutional measures, now it is high time that individuals share their part of
the responsibility such as maintaining good hygiene practices, repeated washing of hands with soap
or disinfectant, wearing masks all the time and maintain physical distance when you are in public
places. This document embodies the guidelines and protocols for operating the Institute post the
nationwide lockdown 3.0.

Remember that we have the responsibility for protecting ourselves, but also others. A war
like situation is not the same as peace time. The unprecedented scenario may demand a lot of
personal sacrifices and we may have to prepare ourselves to undergo hardships. Let us fight together
this battle with the unseen enemy collectively by religiously following protocols and guidelines so
that the pristine Kamand valley may be kept free of Covid-19.

Looking forward for cooperation and compliance from all.

Yours sincerely

Special Task Force Covid-19, IIT Mandi

3
 GENERAL RULES TO BE OBSERVED BY EVERYONE IN THE CAMPUS

1. Everyone should wear face mask as per the government instruction. Government
authorities may impose monetary fine on violation of the same.

2. Thermal scanning of individuals for recording body temperature will be done by

the security staff while entering the campus and they may ask for ID cards. Please
be patient and cooperate with them. Those who have higher than normal body
temperature will be directed to visit the medical unit.

3. Physical distancing norm of 6 feet between individuals should be maintained in all

public places inside the campus.

4. Everyone must sanitise their hands periodically by washing with soap and water
or rubbing with alcohol-based sanitisers.

5. Maintaining good personal hygiene practices and good civic practices such as
avoiding spitting in public places and littering, especially of the used face masks
are essential.

6. Government regulations stipulate the use of Aarogya Setu app on mobile phones.

7. Anyone coming from outside Mandi district must apply through the online
application form and follow due protocols that will be prescribed from time to
time. There are separate forms for students including project staff and employees
of the Institute. No travel should be made without permission from the competent
authority of the Institute. All communication from outside regarding coming back
to the Institute to be made to the single point e-mail ID, tfcovid19@iitmandi.ac.in
for enabling seamless communication.

8. Students and project staff will be allowed to come back to the campus in a
staggered manner and you may apply online when you are contacted by the
Institute. Unsolicited, individual requests will not be entertained.

9. Most vulnerable section of the society such as old people, young babies and their
caregivers and those who have comorbid conditions may be allowed to undergo
self-quarantine in their homes and work from home.

10. Campus residents including students are not allowed to have visitors/relatives
without obtaining express permission from the empowered committee. The
employee wishing to invite visitors must apply online through the prescribed
format.

11. Large gathering of people for meetings or any other purpose is to be avoided.
Meetings may be conducted online wherever possible.

4
12. Security guards on campus may make polite requests for obeying protocols and
record violations and report to the concerned authority. Please refrain from
arguing with them as they are performing their duty for your own safety.

13. The Institute may appoint surveillance officers in residential areas for monitoring
those who are in self/home quarantine or under observation. Please cooperate
with them and obey the rules.

14. No one in the quarantine centre/observation facility/self/home quarantine in the

campus are tested positive for Covid-19. Please avoid spreading rumours. Be
compassionate and be helpful to your friends in quarantine, while maintaining
proper protocol.

15. Common areas and toilets will be disinfected periodically by the housekeeping
staff. Building in-charges along with AR(S&P) are required to ensure the
cleanliness and the supply of disinfectants, sanitisers and liquid soap.

16. All parcels that are received from outside may be disinfected using a UV-chamber
or by spraying disinfectant or by wiping with alcohol based sanitisers, based on the
material and content of the package.

17. Please contact the Institute functionaries or send a mail to

tfcovid19@iitmandi.ac.in for verification of information or to report any issue or
violations of these norms.

5
 GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS/RESIDENTS/VISITORS WHO ARE COMING TO IIT MANDI FROM
OUTSIDE MANDI DISTRICT OR A COVID AFFECTED AREA OF DISTRICT MANDI
All travellers, will have to undergo quarantine/observation as per institute/govt guidelines.
Travel will commence only after obtaining permission from competent authority of IIT Mandi.

STUDENTS
They should travel by personal car/taxi
directly to B-26 north campus. Boarding in
institute buses from Mandi is strictly
prohibited.
FACULTY/STAFF/DEPENDENT/VISITOR
They should travel via personal car/taxi directly
to B-26 north campus. Boarding in institute
buses from Mandi is strictly prohibited

Will report directly to B-26 building north
campus for basic medical screening.
• They should inform their arrival to
tfcovid19@iitmandi.ac.in, well in advance
• They should not go anywhere else in the
campus.
Will report directly to B-26 building north
campus for basic medical screening.
• They should inform their arrival to their
reporting officers & tfcovid19@iitmandi.ac.in
well in advance.
• They should not go anywhere else in the campus
including their house/office.

On arrival in the campus, sanitization of the vehicle will be carried out by housekeeping staff with 1%
hypochlorite solution at barrier near bridge (security post) at north campus. Security staff will provide a
pair of gloves and note down their details and direct them to B-26 for medical screening.
Security housekeeping staff should maintain physical distancing & follow other required precaution as per guidelines .

B-26 reception staff will intimate the medical team who will conduct basic medical screening.

symptomatic Asymptomatic

Quarantine in B-26/Observation in B-15.

Contact District surveillance
Officer for further management
Self/ Home quarantine for faculty/staff/visitor.
Decision of the empowered committee will be binding.
Travellers from outside the state must undergo 14 days
home/Institutional quarantine as per existing rules.
All

Daily telephonic reporting for any symptoms

Develop any symptoms within 14 days to health centre (Timing 10 - 11 am) on
9816663003 for next 14 days

If no symptoms: Join community with general precautions as per

6
government guidelines with remarks from the medical officer.
 GUIDELINES FOR SELF/HOME QUARANTINE
The purpose of home quarantining is to minimise the spread of covid-19 infection when someone is suspected
to be a carrier of infection. Depending upon your special circumstances, the entire family or one or few
members can be quarantined at your home, provided you have adequate bed rooms and attached toilets. If
only one or two members in a family needs to be quarantined, then you may declare a bed room having
attached washroom as a quarantine facility with intimation to the medical Unit. If all members of the family
are to be quarantined, then the entire house can be used as a quarantine facility. It is critical that you avoid
ALL direct social contact during your quarantine. You can of course talk to people on the phone, or online.

A. Guidelines for self-quarantining in a room within a house

1. One or two members of the house may be

quarantined in such a facility.
2. The bedroom must have an attached bathroom.
3. Those who are inside the quarantine room should
stay inside the quarantine room while keeping the
door shut all the times, except for receiving food,
medicine or any other supplies or for disposing off
the food waste using a sealed plastic bag.
4. Dedicated plate, glass, cup and other cutleries
should be provided and kept in the quarantine Picture courtesy- Times of India
room.
5. The person(s) inside the quarantine room should wash the utensils and cloths and dry them inside the
room itself.
6. The quarantined person should clean the room themselves and disinfect frequently touched surfaces (e.g.
bed frames, tables etc.) daily with 1% Sodium Hypochlorite Solution.
7. No other person should enter the quarantined room unless in case of emergency. Personal protection
equipment such as mask, gown and gloves should be worn while entering the quarantine room.

B. Guidelines for entire family quarantining

1. If, the entire household is under quarantining, family members can move around within the house,
but cannot step out of the house.
2. A friend/relative/family member can provide you with supplies such as groceries, medicine.
3. Please keep the house clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces (e.g. bed frames, tables etc.)
daily with 1% Sodium Hypochlorite Solution.

C. Other general guidelines

1. The quarantine period is normally 14 days.

2. Please dispose off waste, only in sealed plastic bags after disinfecting using 1% Sodium Hypochlorite
Solution.
3. Please stay in touch with the medical unit telephonically in case any symptoms develop.

Please also read https://www.mohfw.gov.in/Guidelinesforhomequarantine.pdf

7
 GUIDELINES FOR INMATES OF THE INSTITUTE QUARANTINE FACILITY (B-26)
The goal of quarantine is to isolate you from the rest of the community until it is clear that you were not
infected with COVID-19 during your travel, or due to close contact with someone who travelled recently. We
suggest that you mentally prepare for quarantine for 14 days. Remember that the social isolation necessary
during quarantine will likely incur a degree of anxiety, although we will try our best to make you comfortable.
Treat the staff at the quarantine centre with due courtesy and respect; they are after all risking their lives
while performing their duties. Be patient, the systems are still being set up. In case of any problems or
questions, contact. Mr. Dashmesh Singh (8219740119). You may also contact the health centre

What will be provided during quarantine?

1. You will be given a clean room with a bed and supplies to clean your room during your isolation.

2. You will be provided regular meals and a dinner plate and cutlery that you can wash and reuse during
your stay. Please inform staff about any food allergies.

What to bring with you while entering quarantine?

1. Personal necessities: clothes, toiletries, any medication that you require regularly.
External laundry facilities cannot be provided, given the risk of infection; but you can wash and dry
clothes inside your room. Please plan accordingly.

2. A small stock of snacks or other foods that you prefer.

3. Please bring masks and hand sanitisers.

4. Reading material, laptop, other devices.

During the quarantine period

• It is critical that you avoid ALL direct social contact during your quarantine. You can of course talk to
people on the phone, or online.

• A designated caretaker/volunteers from the campus community will procure and deliver any
additional material you need during quarantine. You can call them and request what you need; they
will disinfect the supplies and leave them outside your door. After they leave, you should wear your
mask, sanitize your hands, step out quickly and take the material inside.

• Double-bag all waste within the room; when the bag is full, close it and call the caretaker to arrange a
pickup time. Wear your mask, sanitize your hands, and leave the bag on the table outside your door.
After you go inside, the caretaker will come and pick up the material. In general, the only things leaving
your room during the quarantine period should be waste; no non-essential things should leave your
room.

• You will be contacted on a daily basis by staff at the medical centre.

• You may contact the Guidance and counselling (GCS) team, Mrs. Lishma Anad (9816098766) / Dr.
Purnima Bajre (9167624945) in case you feel anxious or low.

• If you feel unwell, call the medical centre and If doctor prescribes any new medication, ask the
caretaker to arrange to have it delivered to you.

• If you feel well, try to stick to a regular work routine.

8
 GUIDELINES FOR INMATES OF THE INSTITUTE OBSERVATION FACILITY (B-15)
The goal of keeping you under observation for a period of 14 days is to isolate you from the rest of the
community until it is clear that you were not infected with COVID-19. This assessment is based on your travel
and medical history. We suggest that you mentally prepare for physically staying aloof from the campus
community for 14 days. Remember that the social isolation necessary while you are under observation will
likely incur a degree of anxiety, although we will try our best to make you comfortable. Treat the staff at the
observation facility with due courtesy and respect; they are after all risking their lives while performing their
duties. Be patient, the systems are still being set up. In case of any problems or questions, contact the
caretaker. You may also contact the health centre.

What will be provided during your stay in the observation facility?

1. You will be given a clean room with a bed and supplies to clean your room and common areas such as
toilet during your isolation.
2. Considering limited infratructure, ocuppants will have to share the allotted room with others. Change of
room partner will not be admissible.

3. Dedicated plate, glass, cup and other cutleries will be provided and kept in the room. Alternatively, you
may use your own cutleries and bottles.

4. Food on self-service basis will be served in the earmarked area through a small window inside the
observation facility. While serving the meal, stand on earmarked circles and follow the instruction.
What to bring with you while entering quarantine?
1. Personal necessities like clothes, toiletries, any medicines, masks, gloves and sanitisers should be brought
considering the duration to be spent in the observation facility.

2. A small stock of snacks or other foods that you prefer should be brought.

3. Reading material, laptop, other devices can be kept.

During the period under observation
1. Cleaning and disinfection of common area within the observation facility and toilets/wash rooms will be
done by the occupants themselves on roster basis. All the necessary material will be provided by the care
taker of the building.

2. All the occupants in the facility must ensure the physical distancing. They can of course talk to people on
the phone, or online.

3. No person is allowed to come out of his room without any specified requirement. They should always
keep room closed and stay inside. Also, no one should step out of the observation facility during the
observation period.

4. Movements of occupants to other person’s rooms is strictly prohibited.

9
5. For disposing off the food waste, medicine or any other supplies use a sealed plastic bag placed in the
room.

6. Each individual in the observation facility should wash the utensils and cloths and dry them inside the
room himself/herself. You may use the common washing machine in the building for washing clothes.

7. In case of emergency or any additional requirement, occupants should immediately inform the Caretaker/
Guard on his contact number.

8. Personal protection equipment such as mask, gloves, etc. should be worn when you step out of your
room.

9. Any violation of these guidelines and instructions issued from time to time will invite appropriate action.

Observation protocols
• You will be contacted on a daily basis by staff at the medical centre.
• You may contact the Guidance and counselling (GCS) team, Mrs. Lishma Anad (9816098766) / Dr.
Purnima Bajre (9167624945) in case you feel anxious or low.
• If you feel unwell, call the medical centre and If doctor prescribes any new medication, ask the
caretaker to arrange to have it delivered to you.
• You may be asked to attend online classes during the period of your stay in the observation facility.

10
 TIPS TO MAINTAIN HEALTH & PHYSICAL FITNESS

Here are few things you can do every day to maintain your physical fitness and health
(Some of these guidelines do not apply to those who are in quarantine/observation as they are not allowed to
step out of their room/home)
❖ Maintain hygiene: Even if you are doing activities at your home, you still need to observe the same kind
of hygiene practices that health officials are advising. You should wash your hands carefully and try not to
touch your face. Please clean all frequently touched places such as door handle and other surfaces with
soap and water or any household cleaner.

❖ Get your heart rate up, multiple times a day : Avoid sitting for too long in the same position. “Stairs can
be your cardiovascular best friend,” If you have access to stairs in your office, home, apartment or hostel,
going up and down those stairs without touching side railing is a great way to get your blood pumping.

❖ Get out and walk, as govt of Himachal has also allowed for morning walk activity: Now state govt has
allowed to move out for morning walk or Jogging. Therefore, getting outside for a walk is good. Gardening
and yard work can be other options. Working out contributes to good health, which in turn helps us
maintain sturdy immune systems. Exercise is well known for its mood-boosting abilities and help to provide
sound sleep. The fresh air and sunshine will benefit your mental health as well.

❖ Practice other relaxing techniques such as yoga and meditation.

❖ Other tips:
• Eat healthy to boost your immunity
• Limit intake of sugary drinks.
• Avoid smoking as it aggravates the respiratory problems. Remember that the Corona virus infects the
respiratory system primarily.
• Get your mind off the crisis.
• Maintain a good air circulation in your room.
• Try to restrict your visit to health centre for minor problems, rather you can take advise via phone from
health official.

11
 SOME TIPS FROM AYURVEDA

Ayurveda’s immunity boosting measures are recommended as they may possibly boost an individual’s
immunity against infections. These are supported by Ayurvedic literature and scientific publications.

✓ Drink warm water throughout the day.

✓ Daily practice of Yoga Asanas, Pranayama and meditation for at least 30 minutes are advised by Ministry
of AYUSH.

✓ Spices like Haldi (Turmeric), Jeera (Cumin), Dhaniya (Coriander) and Lahsun (Garlic) are recommended in
cooking.

• Ayurvedic Immunity Promoting Measures

✓ Take Chyavanprash 10gm (1tsf) in the morning. Diabetics should take sugar free Chyavanprash.

✓ Drink herbal tea / decoction (Kadha) made from Tulsi (Basil), Dalchini (Cinnamon), Kalimirch (Black
pepper), Shunthi (Dry Ginger) and Munakka (Raisin) - once or twice a day. Add jaggery (natural sugar) and
/ or fresh lemon juice to your taste, if needed.

✓ Golden Milk- Half tea spoon Haldi (turmeric) powder in 150 ml hot milk - once or twice a day.

• Simple Ayurvedic Procedures

o Nasal application - Apply sesame oil / coconut oil or Ghee in both the nostrils (Pratimarsh Nasya) in
morning and evening.
o Oil pulling therapy- Take 1 table spoon sesame or coconut oil in mouth. Do not drink, Swish in the mouth
for 2 to 3 minutes and spit it off followed by warm water rinse. This can be done once or twice a day.

• During dry cough / sore throat

✓ Steam inhalation with fresh Pudina (Mint) leaves or Ajwain (Caraway seeds) can be practiced once in a
day.

✓ Lavang (Clove) powder mixed with natural sugar / honey can be taken 2-3 times a day in case of cough
or throat irritation.

✓ These measures generally treat normal dry cough and sore throat. However, it is best to consult doctors
if these symptoms persist.

Please visit https://www.ayush.gov.in/docs/123.pdf for further details

12
 TIPS TO MAINTAIN MENTAL HEALTH

The COVID-19 pandemic is creating a lot of mental stress for the global population. Fear about the disease,
quarantine or self-isolation, loss of valuable time and livelihood can adversely impact mental health and lead
to depression and anxiety. The mental health implications of this unprecedented situation will impact
everyone differently, leading clinical psychologists to offer guidelines on how to support and manage one’s
mental health and that of others during these times. In the current situation, finding ways to maintain your
normal routine is essential to reduce stress and potential depressive thoughts that may appear.

Some tips for a healthier ‘new normal’ and to maintain good mental hygiene

1. Filter news and social media: Constant news about the pandemic can make you feel restless and may
exacerbate existing mental health problems. Be careful about the balance of watching important news
and the news that could cause you to feel depressed and disrupt your mental health. Have breaks from
social media and mute triggering keywords and accounts.

2. Talk openly about mental health: Some people might feel that talking about their depression and anxiety
requires additional attention during these times – people should be encouraged to talk about their
feelings. Various support helplines are available including the guidance and counselling Unit of IIT Mandi.

3. Focus every day on what you can do and take action: Low-tech and even no-tech solutions matter, a lot.
Go outside and appreciate nature (as allowed by our local guidelines) at a slower pace to get a daily dose
of physical exercise, relaxation and vitamin D. Call that relative or friend you haven’t spoken to for a while.
Practice to be more mindful and supportive of those around you. We can all learn to be more flexible and
have acceptance of what we can do with the present rather than what we cannot do.

4. Empower those around you. We can all take ownership of and be supportive and responsive to our
communities – our families, neighbourhoods, work, societies, not just our own personal agenda.

5. Eat an ‘anti-depression diet’ : Anxiety is likely to increase during the current crisis, but a well-nourished
body is better at handling stress. Traditional Mediterranean food, sometimes referred to as the ‘anti-
depression diet’, for its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, includes whole grains, vegetables
(particularly green leaves), fruit, berries, nuts (including almonds), seeds and olive oil to look after your
mental health. Kamand valley is blessed with wild fruit trees such as mulberries, Aakhe, Kafal, Himalayan
strawberries, gooseberries etc.

6. Get therapeutic sleep: Ninety percent of depressed people struggle with sleep, which is likely to increase
with fears over the coronavirus. Good quality sleep is a form of overnight therapy and increases the
chance of handling strong emotions effectively. Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time every day.
Achieving eight hours of sleep, and having no screen time two hours before bedtime will also help.

13
 USEFUL RESOURCES

1. Covid-19 Page of IIT Mandi

http://iitmandi.ac.in/administration/prevention_Covid19.php

2. Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR)

https://www.icmr.gov.in/

3. World Health Organisation (WHO)

https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1

4. John Hopkins University, Corona virus Resource Centre

https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/

14